Poe: U.S. showing ‘muscle’ to North Korea following bomber exercise

Texas Rep. Ted Poe says the United State’s recent test flight of two American bombers over the Korean peninsula on Thursday was an effort to show North Korea that America isn’t threatened by the dictatorship’s threats of attack.

“We’re showing our muscle,” the Republican from Humble told Newsmax Thursday. “We sent the two most sophisticated airplanes in the world over South Korea.

Two nuclear-capable American B-2 bombers flew over the Korean peninsula in a practice run. The mission was an effort by the U.S. to underscore its continued stance to protect its ally, South Korea, during a time of rising tensions with North Korea. The flight was the first time the B-2′s had been sent on a long-range drill from the U.S., according to the New York Times.

Poe, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Newsmax North Korea’s 30-year-old Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is ” being braggadocious” about his military capabilities and though the dictator is not as strong as he appears, the U.S. should continue to take the threats seriously.

“The North Koreans are doing more than saber-rattling,” he said. “They are verbally inflicting terrorist threats not only against our ally, South Korea, but the United States.”

North Korea has intensified its hostile talks since a Feb. 12 nuclear test. It has since threatened pre-emptive nuclear strikes against the U.S. and its southern neighbor for their joint military drills. Earlier this month, Kim declared the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War invalid.

The Telegraph of London reported Friday morning that North Korea released a threatening photo in response to America’s most recent exercise saying North Korea’s missiles are on standby and aimed at the U.S. In the photos released, Kim is standing in front of a map of North America and Telegraph reported that Texas’ capital, Austin, is on the list of “targeted” cities.